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Monticello Road is a community arts project in Charlottesville, Virginia. Through photography and a series of public events and conversations, we explore how an art can be an essential, integral and everyday part of a healthy community.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Saunders-Monticello Trail User Thoughts on Connectivity

A large part of our research centered around the fabulously-successful Saunders Monticello Trail,
which serves as a gateway to Monticello and will the linchpin of our
connector(s). We conducted a survey of current trail users because it is
essential that we understand their preferences and desires if our own
project is to be successful. The survey succeeded far beyond our
expectations, with 1010 responses in 18 days.

The chart tallies a manual count of concept mentions relative to connectivity. We also did a word cloud cloud (see end of article) but we found the manual method much more informative and precise. A word cloud, for example, does not distinguish between a user who says "I want a connection," and one who says, "I don't want a connection." Word clouds give a useful glimpse but are not sound basis for policy.

Out of the 1,010 survey responses, there were 443
comments in response to the open-ended question
“Do you have any other comments about connecting
the trail to Charlottesville and/or other destinations
(e.g. Morven Farm, Highland, Mill Creek, PVCC)?” The
chart left illustrates the relative themes that
emerged. All topics with two or greater mentions are
included.

Endorsements
Among the responses, the most mentioned by far
was a positive response expressing support and
excitement for the trail.

Destinations
Respondents mentioned Piedmont Virginia
Community College more than any other destination,
but quickly followed by many of the major destinations
explored in the study: Morven Farm, the Rivanna Trail,
James Monroe’s Highland, Route 20, Belmont and the
Charlottesville downtown area, and Avon extended
and its associated neighborhoods (including Mill
Creek). Several other respondents considered the
broader regional connection possibilities, including
the 3 Notch’d Trail, Scottsville, and Crozet.

Bikes and Accessibility
A significant number of respondents mentioned
desire for bike access through the connection. Some
respondents hoped for facilities if the trail is expanded
and connected into a wider network, particularly
parking. Regarding accessibility, several respondents
mentioned a desire to continue bringing their family
to the trail, others mentioned a desire to bring dogs, to connect the trail to transit, and for the trail to be ADA accessible and
friendly for senior users. Of particular note about the transit access,
several respondents mentioned a desire for a shuttle bus that would
connect the end of the trail to key destinations within Charlottesville,
including PVCC, UVA, and the Downtown Mall.

Trail Characteristics and Amenities
Several respondents mentioned a desire to highlight and maximize
historic and cultural connections through the trail network expansion.
Some respondents mentioned key physical aspects of the trail,
including a preference for a pathway that is not directly adjacent to
the street, and a desire to increase crosswalk safety.

A few respondents reacted negatively to the premise of the study:
either they did not desire a trail, did not desire a trail to connect to
their neighborhood, or did not desire bikes to be allowed to use
the trail. Two respondents expressed concern and recommended
thoughtful consideration about the people who have set up camps
beneath and near the I-64 and Route 20 bridges.

Phase Two of the Monticello Connectivity research project is complete. Along with four graduate students from the University of Virginia's Urban and Environmental Planning program, we explored the feasibility of a bicycle and pedestrian connection. [Project Web Site]